Niel is married to Althea, a qualified biokineticist who now devotes her time to their family and household. Together they are the proud parents of two children.

Their daughter, Juletha-Marie, obtained her LLB (cum laude), LLM (cum laude) and LLD in Intellectual Property Law. She successfully completed all four board examinations as well as all eight SAIIPL trademark examinations, and is now a practicing trademark attorney at a well-known intellectual property law firm in Century City.

Their son, Rufus, obtained his BCom Law degree in 2020, LLB in 2022, and LLM in Commercial Law (cum laude). He is now a practicing attorney at a law firm in Cape Town.

Besides his passion for the law, Niel is an avid sportsman. He has completed more than 100 marathons, including 14 Two Oceans Marathons and three Comrades Marathons. He has also participated in several Cape Epic events, the Joberg2c cycle tours, and various other multi-day endurance events. In addition, Niel represented Western Province and the South African National Team in Endurance Horse Riding, and previously served as President of the Endurance Riding Association of South Africa (ERASA).

Niel has a deep love for South Africa and Africa as a whole, and spends many weekends farming near Beaufort West in the Great Karoo, where he enjoys the outdoors and the unique landscape of the region.

Niel firmly believes that maintaining South Africa as one of the best places in the world to live requires each person to contribute positively and reinvest in the country and its people. As a firm, this philosophy is reflected in our involvement in various social upliftment initiatives. Niel also served as a director of Huis Horison, a residential facility that provides care and support for persons with primary intellectual disabilities.

Clients soon come to realise that Niel’s work is both his profession and his passion. He is known for always making himself available to clients, often taking calls regardless of the time or circumstances. Niel is also a firm believer in traditional values and has a deep respect for the Rule of Law.

Admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa in 1997

Right of Appearance in the High Court in terms of Section 4(2) of the Right of Appearance in Courts Act 62 of 1995 in 2009